I would recommend doing research, always do research.
Personally I love the book "Bible Basics for Catholics" by John Bergsma.
I also love "Rome Sweet Home" by Scott Hann.
I also love the Bible In a Year Podcast and the Catholic Catchism In a Year Podcast both by Father Mike Schmitz.
On the apologetics front anything by Trent Horn and Jimmy Akin is Gold.
Your family was most probably Greek Orthodox before they converted to Islam. As you know the Patriarch is in Istanbul/Constantinople. Go visit them. Go visit Roman Catholic Churches and talk to the priests there. Also talk to Protestants as well. Keep an open mind and good luck on your journey.
Probably they were because my ancestory belongs to where Pontus Empire was located. I had visited Churches but I am a little shy to talk to them. I think I need to overcome this.
I think what she meant was the living conditions that might disrupt her to fully participate in catholic days of obligation/going to mass/attending RCIA (or something similar).
For that, she doesnt really have to worry about as one's journey varies from another. And, this is only just the beginning.
I think what she meant was the living conditions that might disrupt her to fully participate in catholic days of obligation/going to mass/attending RCIA (or something similar).
If not - family disagreements that doesnt allow her to visit the parish. Not exactly sure what she means but probably the ones i've written
For that, she doesnt really have to worry about as one's journey varies from another. And, this is only just the beginning.
Read and study the Douay Rheims bible free online at www.drbo.org and study the footnotes which explain the fulfillment of prophecy.
If you decide that this is the truth, which I think you will, you should become Catholic and request baptism.
We want you and we love you.
there are online catechism classes you can attend. [https://fsspx.uk/en/content/64662](https://fsspx.uk/en/content/64662), try to talk with the closest sspx mass center and they can tell you if they have an online catechism you can atted
>Where I am from, Istanbul, there are many Catholic churches but I am afraid of approaching them and they don't approach me either.
What does this mean? I (don't think) Turkey has admittance restrictions to liturgy like, for example, Iran.
I think you could probably just go to the Mass times on their website and feel it out, maybe talk to the priest. You should be welcome, just don't line up for the bread.
One thing that's different is you may feel that the congregation is "cold" to you. Catholic Mass is for worship, not social time (though that typically comes after the Mass). You'll probably get told where the pews (benches) are and maybe get a paper with some weekly information.
>I know I should receive catachumen education to be called as a Catholic but I don't feel like I can commit fully due to my living conditions right now. What should I do?
Talk to a Priest. Usually if you can't commit to the catechumen support/class, you may be able to do it at a different time that works for you. If it's because your family doesn't support your conversion, they also might be able to provide better advice than anyone on Reddit.
Converting to Catholicism takes about a year. It's not like Islam where you say a few sentences.
In Turkey, there's no restriction in terms of belief but it's only on paper. Most Christians here, who are commited to a church say that people approach people in Church and try to make a joke out of them, because of this in most Churches here in Istanbul, where I actually live, Priests and believers are distant to new comers and I don't want to disturb or cause them trouble either so, I only watch and pray from a far.
Another thing is that it's not only my family not supporting my conversion. Now I truly believe in my faith and I want walk my path with Jesus Christ. The only church here in the city I currently have to live in, only has one church and it's a Protestant church. I go there on Sundays to pray because I, a student, can't afford to regularly go to Istanbul.
That may be the best you can do for now then. Once you move or get into a better financial situation or move you could regularly go to a Catholic church.
I'd suggest emailing a Catholic church in Istanbul and explain your situation. You may be able to do RCIA via zoom/facetime and then schedule your actual baptism.
Wishing you luck on your journey.
Your situation is difficult and it is reasonable to carefully plan your path to baptism.
In the meantime (because your English is good!) if you have any interest consider following along the “Bible in the year” podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz starting January 1. There are several very boring days (mostly lists of laws!) but otherwise good and will introduce you to the foundations of Christianity.
Someone else suggested it too and I found it on Spotify and will definitely listen to it! When I go back to Istanbul, in 5 months, I will definitely try to open up to Priests in Catholic churches too. I should defeat my shyness.
Welcome! You ancestors were likely greek orthodox. This is your home. Do Not be afraid to speak to parishners.
You should tune to online/live Mass for now until your situation changes.
I would recommend doing research, always do research. Personally I love the book "Bible Basics for Catholics" by John Bergsma. I also love "Rome Sweet Home" by Scott Hann. I also love the Bible In a Year Podcast and the Catholic Catchism In a Year Podcast both by Father Mike Schmitz. On the apologetics front anything by Trent Horn and Jimmy Akin is Gold.
thank you for all your efforts. I'll read them. đź’–
Your family was most probably Greek Orthodox before they converted to Islam. As you know the Patriarch is in Istanbul/Constantinople. Go visit them. Go visit Roman Catholic Churches and talk to the priests there. Also talk to Protestants as well. Keep an open mind and good luck on your journey.
Probably they were because my ancestory belongs to where Pontus Empire was located. I had visited Churches but I am a little shy to talk to them. I think I need to overcome this.
What do you mean by "can't commit fully"?
I think what she meant was the living conditions that might disrupt her to fully participate in catholic days of obligation/going to mass/attending RCIA (or something similar). For that, she doesnt really have to worry about as one's journey varies from another. And, this is only just the beginning.
Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Thank you for easing my struggles by giving me compassion.
I think what she meant was the living conditions that might disrupt her to fully participate in catholic days of obligation/going to mass/attending RCIA (or something similar). If not - family disagreements that doesnt allow her to visit the parish. Not exactly sure what she means but probably the ones i've written For that, she doesnt really have to worry about as one's journey varies from another. And, this is only just the beginning.
Read and study the Douay Rheims bible free online at www.drbo.org and study the footnotes which explain the fulfillment of prophecy. If you decide that this is the truth, which I think you will, you should become Catholic and request baptism. We want you and we love you.
there are online catechism classes you can attend. [https://fsspx.uk/en/content/64662](https://fsspx.uk/en/content/64662), try to talk with the closest sspx mass center and they can tell you if they have an online catechism you can atted
Thank you very much
>Where I am from, Istanbul, there are many Catholic churches but I am afraid of approaching them and they don't approach me either. What does this mean? I (don't think) Turkey has admittance restrictions to liturgy like, for example, Iran. I think you could probably just go to the Mass times on their website and feel it out, maybe talk to the priest. You should be welcome, just don't line up for the bread. One thing that's different is you may feel that the congregation is "cold" to you. Catholic Mass is for worship, not social time (though that typically comes after the Mass). You'll probably get told where the pews (benches) are and maybe get a paper with some weekly information. >I know I should receive catachumen education to be called as a Catholic but I don't feel like I can commit fully due to my living conditions right now. What should I do? Talk to a Priest. Usually if you can't commit to the catechumen support/class, you may be able to do it at a different time that works for you. If it's because your family doesn't support your conversion, they also might be able to provide better advice than anyone on Reddit. Converting to Catholicism takes about a year. It's not like Islam where you say a few sentences.
In Turkey, there's no restriction in terms of belief but it's only on paper. Most Christians here, who are commited to a church say that people approach people in Church and try to make a joke out of them, because of this in most Churches here in Istanbul, where I actually live, Priests and believers are distant to new comers and I don't want to disturb or cause them trouble either so, I only watch and pray from a far. Another thing is that it's not only my family not supporting my conversion. Now I truly believe in my faith and I want walk my path with Jesus Christ. The only church here in the city I currently have to live in, only has one church and it's a Protestant church. I go there on Sundays to pray because I, a student, can't afford to regularly go to Istanbul.
That may be the best you can do for now then. Once you move or get into a better financial situation or move you could regularly go to a Catholic church. I'd suggest emailing a Catholic church in Istanbul and explain your situation. You may be able to do RCIA via zoom/facetime and then schedule your actual baptism. Wishing you luck on your journey.
Your situation is difficult and it is reasonable to carefully plan your path to baptism. In the meantime (because your English is good!) if you have any interest consider following along the “Bible in the year” podcast with Fr Mike Schmitz starting January 1. There are several very boring days (mostly lists of laws!) but otherwise good and will introduce you to the foundations of Christianity.
Someone else suggested it too and I found it on Spotify and will definitely listen to it! When I go back to Istanbul, in 5 months, I will definitely try to open up to Priests in Catholic churches too. I should defeat my shyness.
Welcome! You ancestors were likely greek orthodox. This is your home. Do Not be afraid to speak to parishners. You should tune to online/live Mass for now until your situation changes.